RaniMaria : things I love

When you start to use Peyote stitch you will realize that it embodies a number of different beading techniques that include the flat even count, flat odd count as well as tubular even count Peyote stitch. So, if you wish to learn more about these beading techniques you may need to get hold of some tutorials, or study about the various techniques that teach anyone interested in the art how to perform such beading stitches. However, first you may need to know more about the origins of Peyote Stitch and you can then get stuck into its different beading techniques.

Where The Peyote Stitch Originated

The origin of the Peyote Stitch can be traced to the Native American and more specifically to the places where cacti grew and were eaten as atonement as was the custom of the Native American Church. It was common during such ceremonies to use instruments that contained the Peyote Stitch which is how the name was ascribed to this particular type of stitch. And, the first beading technique that pertains to the Peyote Stitch that anyone interested in Peyote Stitches would like to learn about would be the flat even count Peyote Stitch.

The flat even count Peyote Stitch is one of the simpler beading techniques that you will need to learn, and which obviously should not take long to master. To begin with, you must begin the first row by twice going through the first bead, and then you will need to add odd numbers of beads in the case of the first row and have an additional bead to begin the subsequent row while making sure that each row has even numbers of stitches. You can repeat this process for all rows until the beaded fabric has been completed.

The flat odd count Peyote Stitch is another beading technique that is much like that of the flat even count Peyote Stitch though there is a little more complication involved, especially when you reach the end of the first row which involves making a figure eight type stitch that is essential to complete the second row before beginning with the next row.

If you want to have a shape that is cylindrical, you can make use of the tubular Peyote Stitch that is performed in rounds and you can begin this beading technique by adding stitches to the thread for the first round and also the second round and then going through the first stitch once more so that you are able to get a shape that is circular and you should then follow this same procedure for subsequent rows until you form a cylinder that is of the desired length.

So, as you can see, there are a number of different beading techniques that owe their origins to the Native American and which result in different types of objects that can be created including the beaded fabrics and even cylinders.

If you want to bead using a loom, then one of the very first things you are going to need to find are loom beading patterns. There are many different places that you can go to when you want to find loom beading patterns, however there are several in particular that are especially worthwhile, of which will be discussed in detail here.

There are many different places that you can go to when you want to find loom beading patterns, however there are several in particular that are especially worthwhile, of which will be discussed in detail here.

Your Best Options

One of the best places to go for loom beading patterns is Fire Mountain Gems and Beads, which is actually one of the largest and most well established beading supply companies in the world. Besides loom beading patterns, their selection includes: Swarovski crystal and crystal components, gemstone beads, glass beads, metal beads, natural beads, pearls, acrylic beads, seed and bugle beads, wood beads and celestial crystal.

They also offer a wealth of other valuable beading information including tips and tricks of the trade that you can use to become a more advanced and experienced beader.

Another great option for beading patterns is Pin’s Patterns, which is a company that is a very low key, family owned and operated business. They offer advice and information relating to beading that the average person would be interested in, especially beginners. As well, all of their patterns are free and so you do not have to feel hesitant about trying a bunch of different ones out to see which ones are your favorites.

If you do decide to pay for your beading patterns, you want to be absolutely positive before you put any money down on them that they are patterns that you are actually going to end up using. After all, you may find ones here and there that are interesting, but if you are never going to complete the pattern or going to have a use for the resulting creation, then there is really no point in spending money on the pattern.

You should typically only pay money for a pattern if it is one that is unique, or one that you cannot find anywhere else. Otherwise, you are better off just using the various free beading patterns that are available to you, and this way you are not putting yourself at any risk of losing money.

There are several different types of beading software programs on the market enabling the user to create free form bead patterns as well as convert their favorite photographs into bead patterns. Some of the better beading software programs allow the user to print the pattern in a variety of forms as well as obtain a written patter to show the suze and color of each bead used in the pattern.

Using different bead patterns and stitch types, beading software allows the user to adjust the number of rows and columns and then gives an on-screen image to hint at how the finished project will look. If it is not what the user wants, good programs will allow changes to be made to the existing pattern without the need to start over again. Using square, loom, peyote and two and three drop peyote stitches can have dramatic effects on the finished project.

Many of the beading software programs also include drawing tools for free hand pattern making including lines, ovals and rectangles along with other drawing tools such a fill, cut and paste. By using the software patterns can be created to reflect the artistic abilities of the user.

Many Companies Offer Trial Versions Of Software

With the cost of beading software usually approaching $100 many companies offer trial versions of the their programs set to allow a certain number of uses or that lack certain features that are available in the full version. Typically, printing the pattern may not be allowed in the trial version, but trying it out before buying the full version can give a better understanding of how well it will work for the individual.

Some beading software programs allow the user to change colors of individual beads once the pattern has been created and will allow it to be saved and printed in a multitude of formats. A good program will also compile a shopping list to indicate the quantity and sizes of the beads needed as well as the type of string or wire that should be used to make the finished project appear as close to the original as possible.

Whether working from a photograph or a free hand drawing beading software can aid anyone who wants to create their own bead masterpieces. It can also be used for contract work, allowing those in the beading business to expand their creations by performing specialized work for customers. Create a beaded image of a client’s pet and place it on a handbag for great advertising of your abilities.

One of the most basic beading materials is beading necklace wire, as you basically have to use this beading necklace wire in every single design you create. If you are trying to gather some beading materials together and need to know where you can purchase beading necklace wire, then you should know that there are a few worthwhile options.

Your Best Options

One of the best companies you can go to for beading necklace wire is Bead Buddies. They offer one of the largest selections of beading necklace wire and other beading materials in the world, and at some of the most competitive rates. When it comes to beading necklace wire, they offer various different sizes, styles and colors for you to choose from.

Some of their more popular selections are: flexible wire, 28 gauge copper wire, stretch elastic cord, 22 gauge copper wire, 34 gauge wire, 18 gauge copper wire, memory wire, and Accuflex brand flexible wire.

Another company that offers beading necklace wire is Target. There are few people in the world today who are not familiar with Target, and it is definitely a name that you can trust. They are definitely one of your best options if you are looking to conserve the most money possible, but at the same time they offer one of the largest selections of beading necklace wire in the world. You can really find everything that you need for beading here, and at the lowest possible price.

The most important thing is that you determine your options first, and then from here you want to compare and contrast between your top few selections. This is the only way to ensure that you will be getting the best possible quality and value that you can.

Other Materials

There are various other materials that you are going to need as well to complete any beading project, and this includes beads, scissors, thread, wire, cord, a beading loom, and whatever else is required for the particular design that you are working on. You always need to make sure that you check to see what is required for a specific project before you begin working on it, so you can make sure that everything required is accessible and affordable to you.

As long as you do this, and have patience, then you should have no problems and you should come out of this situation with some really beautiful and well-made beaded designs.

They say the most difficult part of art is coming up with a strong, compelling idea, one that will capture the viewer’s eye and hold it long enough to convey a message. This theory applies to all forms of art, from the most carefully crafted stone monuments to the simple arrangement of colored beads on a sheet of paper. The beauty of coming up with your own beading ideas is that you can create a 2D rough textured artwork that has the quality of an 8-bit computer. Or, if you don’t want to create a flat picture, there are literally hundreds of different things you can do with your beads.

Love Of Beads

I think I was in Boy Scouts when the beading idea of bracelets was first proposed to me. Being an eleven year old boy at the time, I was more interested in the archery and rifle shooting portions of the camp; however I can remember many nights of me and my friends sitting around a campfire, telling stories, while I was absentmindedly rolling beads and wire between my fingers. I can’t say I was doing it on purpose, but when I got back to my tent I had made my first bracelet. I wasn’t the only one. More and more people from camp started to ask for alternative beading ideas, and as such the trend of small beaded animals attached to key chains began in my life.

So Many Choices

It really is remarkable, when you think about it, how many beading ideas there actually are. With a little bit of string and some appropriately colored beads you can create anything from a turtle to a fish to a deer without any knowledge but a trivial understanding of knots. For about three years my own father had an arrowhead made out of beads attached to his truck keys.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that key chains are the only place anyone has ever thought to put different beading ideas and designs. I have seen them used as earrings, belly button rings, ankle bracelets, regular bracelets, necklaces; really the list of beading ideas just goes on and on. Perhaps the most interesting invention involving beads that I have ever seen would be the pouch made from red, while, and blue beads. Patriotism through art, albeit cheap art, but art nonetheless.

Beading ideas come from your heart. Think deep about what you want to design before you start, plan it out. Know how to loop the thread so the material will work like you want it. While it’s not a difficult task by any means, the tide of the work can change from easy to insanely impossible just by missing a loop here or there.

There are some really great complete beading books out there that you can choose from, and regardless of whether you are a novice or experienced beader, these complete beading books can be very helpful. A good beading book will not only teach you about things that you already know, but will enhance on these factors, making you as knowledgeable as possible. As well, it should offer at least a few different beading patterns that you can try out, with easy step by step instructions that you can follow.

Although of course the complete beading books that you choose should suit you and work for the type of beading that you are interested in, however if you are just looking for a couple of complete beading books to get you started, then there are a few in particular you should be interested in.

The Best Little Beading Book

This is a book written by Wendy Simpson Conner, this is not only an excellent book for the beginner beader but for the seasoned professional as well. It covers nearly every single aspect of beadwork, and this includes Peyote stitch, leather stitching, and working with wire issues. There are great graphics for each of the patterns in the book, and there are 24 full color pages of finished work. Techniques for making necklaces and earrings are great basics and are included in the book, as is lots of other valuable information, such as stone lore, symbolism, and color and design basics.

The Encyclopedia of Beading Techniques

This is definitely one of the most popular and complete beading books on the market today and one whose title truly explains everything. It offers a wealth of beading information, everything from basic threading and knotting to elaborate bead weaving and wire work. For each technique being taught in the book there are about four or five pictures to a page to illustrate how it is done, thus allowing for a better understanding for you.

Simply Beautiful Beaded Jewelry

This is another one of the great complete beading books, one which is perfect for anyone who enjoys crafting jewelry. It provides patterns for a whopping 50 different projects, everything from hair accessories and bracelets to necklaces and earrings. The projects cover a wide and varied range of styles and beads, and so you are sure to be able to find lots that you love.

One of the best things about this particular book is that it makes sure that all the beads, wire and other beading materials that you need for the patterns is easily accessible anywhere in the world, meaning that this is one book that you will actually be able to recreate the patterns from.

There are plenty of other complete beading books that you can choose from as well, however these three are definitely the cream of the crop in this situation. A good idea is to start off with two or three beading books, such as those mentioned previously here, and then begin to add more to your collection as you become a more experienced beader.

Because beading is such a popular hobby today, there is an incredible number of beading supply stores out there in order to supply the demand. Although this is definitely a positive thing if you are a beader because you have a lot of selection to choose from, at the same time it can be very overwhelming and even frustrating trying to decide which company you should buy from.

The most important thing is to ensure that the company is legit, and you can do this by conducting a background check on the business. You also want to see how long they have been in business for, what products they are offering, and for what price. By comparing and contrasting between a few different companies you will be able to save yourself a great deal of money and as well get the best overall value that you possibly can.

Glass Rods for Beading

There are many different beading supplies to choose from, but glass rods for beading are some of the most popular. This is because glass rods for beading are so adaptable and useable - you can make them work in almost any jewelry design. Glass rods for beading are also great because you can use them as spacers, meaning that you put them in between other beads on the jewelry to space them out.

Your Options

If you are looking for companies that sell glass rods for beading, there are a few in particular that you are going to want to check out. One is Fire Mountain Gems and Beads. If you are already an avid beader, then odds are you have heard of the Fire Mountain Company before.

They offer one of the largest selections of glass rods for beading and other beading supplies, including: gemstone beads, glass beads, metal beads, natural beads, pearls, acrylic beads, wood beads, chains, clasps, charms, findings, pendants, beading wire, and more. They also offer very competitive prices, and you are not likely to find lower prices for the same high quality anywhere else.

Another worthy option here is Bead Babe. This company is smaller and not as well known as Fire Mountain, but they do offer a great selection for a very affordable price. They have been in the beading business for nearly two decades now, and they have some really great connections with large bead manufacturing companies, and so they save a lot when they buy their beads, and they pass those savings right on to you.

There are many other companies that offer glass rods for beading and other beading supplies, and you will definitely not ever have to worry about having no place to choose from. Just make sure that you take your time and put some thought into your decision, because of course you want to get the best quality and value that you can.

When it comes to beading wire, there are a few different types that you have available to you. Copper is one of the most popular types of beading wire, and although it tends to work well with most designs and looks especially nice with earth tone colors, there is the issue of how it tends to darken and discolor with age.

Then there is galvanized beading wire, which is a dull silver color and which is harder than the more commonly used silver wire. Sterling silver beading wire is another of the fan favorites, namely because it is so universal. Sterling will tarnish however, and so it is best to keep it in zip lock bags or sealed containers when you are not using it.

Fine silver is the highest quality silver beading wire that you can get, and is made of 99.9% pure silver. It has fewer alloys and so it does not tarnish as quickly as sterling silver does.

As well there is gold-filled beading wire that you can use, which, although it has many layers of gold, is not actually made of pure gold, and this is important to remember because gold-filled jewelry is not nearly as expensive as jewelry that is made from real gold. The real gold beading wire is available in various karats, from 10-24 for example, and even different colors, but this wire tends to be the most expensive.

Soft Flex Beading Wire

Soft flex beading wire is a type of beading wire that is manufactured by the Soft Flex Company, and soft flex beading wire is one of the most commonly used beading wires in the world.

When it comes to buying soft flex beading wire, there are a few factors that you are going to have to take into consideration before you can make a final decision. One is determining what diameter wire you are going to need for your project, and the options are: .010”, .014”, .019”, and .024”. The larger diameter you go with, the larger and heavier beads you will be able to use.

You also need to understand the difference between soft flex beading wire and soft touch beading wire. Basically soft flex is the original line, and it was actually the first stainless steel wire to be knotted and it truly revolutionized the bead stringing industry. It is definitely one of your best options of all when it comes to beading wire.

Using small, tiny beads in homemade designs is called seed beading, and its popularity around the world may surprise you. Seed beads are commonly round, about a millimeter in length, and they have a small hole drilled straight through them. They are most often used for on and off loom weaving, and are usually black in color when they are used as spacers in beaded necklaces and bracelets, but that’s not the only type of seed bead that there is. All small, glass, multicolored beads can be considered seed beading, and these mass-produced colored balls can be woven into fabric to give it a nice, shiny, glossy feel.

Packaging

There are two different types of seed beading package sizes. The first is called a hank, which is about the size of a small Ziploc bag full of seed beads. Usually, these hanks have about twelve to twenty strands of beads inside of them. The second style of packaging is by grams, which to me is much easier to understand. However, selling beads by weight seems to be purely a Japanese trend.

Does Price Affect Quality?

When buying seed beading supplies it is a good idea to go straight to the company and buy direct, rather than buying store brand beads. Most stores brands like Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Kroger, Food Lion, and Piggy-Wiggly sell their own, cheaper beads, but for something that doesn’t cost that much to start with it makes no sense to save that extra few dollars by buying these cheaper knock-offs when really their quality is so poor that not even all the beads in the same pack may be the same size, let alone be without imperfections. Cheap plastic may be okay for your Boy Scout troops and your Craft Day at school, but when you are seriously using seed beading to create forms of artwork there should be no doubt in your mind on which type of beads to purchase.

The Ironic Wordplay Of Seed Beads

If I was an Agriculture teacher, I would tell my students that we were going to spend the class doing seed beading. Then, I would send them all out into the oak forest behind the high school to collect acorns. Using a power drill, I would show them how to make a neat hole through each of the acorns without crushing the outer shell. I’d tell them to thread the wire through, and when they were all done I would send my entire class to the art teacher’s room, to show her our seed beading techniques.

There are some potential crafters who shy away from beading necklaces once they see the size and number of beads used to make them, but a necklace project can be easily accomplished with a few simple tips and a few items they probably have around the house. Whether working from one of the many available patterns for beading necklaces that show the color, size and type of beads to be used, or simple free hand designs penciled on a napkin, perhaps the toughest part is getting started.

The first thing needed will be enough beading string for the appropriate length of the necklaces, plus a few extra inches for the beading tips and clasp. Using a towel on a flat surface, line up the beads in the order in which they will appear on the beading necklaces, being careful not to drop them on hard, flat surface where they can roll away. If the string being used is especially thin, a double strand can be used for added strength.

Some crafters will place craft glue on the first couple of inches of the string to make threading the beads easier. On one end, tie a knot either a simple overhand knot or a figure eight knot, trimming of excess thread. Then place a drop of glue on the knot to prevent it from coming undone.

Bead Tips Hold It All Together

Attach a clamshell bead tip to the knotted end by inserting the free end of the string and pulling it tight to the knot. Not so tight that it may break the string, but snug so that there is no extra space. The remainder of the beads can now be strung on the string on which the beading necklaces will be made. Do not forget the spacer beads if they are being used and double check the work every so often to make sure a bead or two was not missed.

When all the beads are on the string, attach the second bead tip, holding it snug with beading pliers while the knot is tied. Use a small drop of glue to keep the knot from unraveling. For beading necklaces the tips will have a spot on which to attach a clasp and once those are on, the necklace is ready to go. If the beads were pulled too tight during assembly the beading necklaces may be stiff and not hang properly, so caution against making them too tight must be exercised.